Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns elegantly in aftermath of the second season's ultimate cliffhanger and sees our titular powerhouse, Kimberly 'Kimmy' Schmidt (Ellie Kemper), grown into a more empathetically, complex protagonist. While the cult captive PTSD theme is still revisited for once or twice, season three witnesses Kimmy arises above the ground, literally leaves the underground bunker, and gets integrated into a real world problem of empowerment and feminism.
At first, Kimmy's got to do something to clinch the cliffhanger, where Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm) demands a divorce; then, she's going to college for education and, eventually, career; later, she's learning something about herself that makes her different from other people. At the same time, creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock insert insightful quests for other characters to deal with, which take roots from their deeds in the second season; and make them a more integral part of the storytelling.
Outlawed landlord, Lilian (Carol Kane), takes a political maneuver by waging war against anti-poverty policy... with little, big twist. Meanwhile, Kimmy's former-employer-turned-friend, Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski) is launching her spider kamikaze to bring down racist NFL team with her new paramour, Russ Snyder (David Cross in season two, but, er, something else here). Meanwhile, Titus Andromedon (Titus Burgess), after his mysterious return from cruise tenure, has to deal up with the changing circumstance in aftermath of his departure.
In short, the best threads about this third season are Kimmy Schmidts' quest for education and career (not that Uber driver tenure, though), supporting characters' personal battles (which juxtapose perfectly with Kimmy's and the grand theme), and... Titus' Lemonading, which basically is the highlight of the season. With those issues surfaced around the season, the promotional poster along with 'Female are strong as hell' tagline makes a lot of sense... and, yes, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has become more relevant as ever; although, narrative-wise, it's not the best season.
While bearing such a dire theme, this sitcom never loses its charms to get hilarious at any given chance. The humor is fresh, rapid, and compact in each episode; and, most importantly, Fey's and Carlock's humor doesn't fade, instead, it evolves and grows. As usual, sassy quips, candid gags and unapologetic one-liners dominate most duration; but, now they're more structured to give the solid character-stirred narrative some breath to catch. Even, more compelling, cameos in season three is more spot-on and, believe it, inventive. Aside from star cameos listed from Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph (as Grammy winner, Dion Warwick), to Laura Dern; there are bunch of 30 Rock cameos, recurring characters from previous seasons, a crossover-igniting cameo from Orange is the New Black star (and familiar place), and, even, a famous cinematic car.
Rest assured, if you're a fan of Kimmy Schmidt, the third season will not disappoint you. It's no longer stuck in the past, but it keeps moving forward and channeling a way for future development. Kimmy Schmidt and friends' struggle to tackle real world issue is one thing to anticipate for now... and in the future.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2017) - Season 3
Comedy, Drama Created by: Robert Carlock , Tina Fey Starred by: Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane Network: Netflix No. of Episodes: 13 Runtime: 30 mins
